The billions in unclaimed funds come from old bank accounts, utility deposits, uncashed checks, insurance claims, stocks and other sources that have been dormant for a number of years. Some accounts hold money that has been lost and forgotten since the 1940s.

“I encourage everyone to come out and search for money that may be waiting for them,” DiNapoli said. “We return more than $1.5 million a day to residents across the state, but we want to do more. It’s your money, we want to give it back.”

Residents who cannot make it to the events can search for and claim their money by using the online claiming system or by calling 1-800-221-9311.